Safety

DISCLAIMER:
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Most forms of meditation are regarded as being safe in healthy individuals. There are rare reports of adverse effects in people with underlying mental illnesses, including episodes of mania or depersonalization. Some publications warn that intensive meditation or retreats may lead to disorientation, anxiety, or depression. People with psychiatric disorders should consult with their primary mental healthcare professional(s) before starting a program of meditation, and should explore how meditation may or may not fit in with their current treatment plan.

An increased risk of seizure has been reported in a poorly described study, and therefore people at risk of seizures should speak with their primary healthcare professional before starting a meditation program.

The practice of meditation should not delay the time to diagnosis or treatment with more proven techniques or therapies and should not be used as the sole approach to illnesses.